Katie's Korner: Pictures: New Year's 2000

My photo album.

New Year's 2000
Big Island, Hawai`i

	Two days before the new millennium, mom, dad and I fly out to the Big Island. It's where they first met six years ago. My parents say I was an absolute angel on the flight over.
	One of our first stops in Hilo is the famous Ken's House of Pancakes, open 24 hours and serving the best loco moco in the Pacific.
	Hilo's wet weather makes for beautiful scenery, including Rainbow Falls.
	Half an hour north of Hilo, and several miles inland, is a short and beautiful hiking trail.
	Dad and mom took turns giving me a ride as we made our way through the fern and bamboo forest to Akaka Falls, one of the highest falls on the island.
	The next day, we headed south toward the volcano. On the way, we stopped at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut factory. Mmmmmmm... love those nuts!
	Tucked behind the sleepy tiny town of Pahoa is a state park featuring lava trees. I had a blast stomping around in the shade on the soft, soft moss.
	The highlight of the day was the visit to the volcano. After circling Kilauea Caldera, we headed down the long and winding Chain of Craters Road. There were several breathtaking spots on the way down.
	There was a short hike after the road ended to get a great view of where the hot lava pours into the sea. Dad had to help me get over the jagged black lava rock... the newest ground on earth.
	Mom and I had a blast watching the huge plumes of steam rise into the sky, and examining the unique texture of the rocks under our feet.
	On the first day of the year 2000, we headed up the beautiful Hamakua Coast on our way to the Kona side of the island. We stopped in the gorgeous town of Waimea, where mom and dad dream of living one day.
	There was a cool, elaborate wooden playground in Waimea, one in which even mom and dad could get lost.
	We walked through Kailua-Kona, checking out the shops and pausing to admire this church, said to be the first ever built in Hawaii.
	My favorite part of the trip was the stop at Hapuna Beach, the largest white-sand beach on the island with big, big waves. But I wasn't afraid!
	We relaxed and watched the first sunset of the 21st century at Hapuna Beach. It was incredible.